Ashwagandha Root benefits - Ashwagandha supplement Information by Ray Sahelian, M.D.
Plus: Mind Power Rx with ashwagandha, Passion Rx with ashwagandha, Good Night Rx with ashwagandha

Ashwagandha - also known as Indian Winter Cherry - is a shrub cultivated in India and North America whose roots have been used for thousands of years by Ayurvedic practitioners. Ashwagandha root contains flavonoids and many active ingredients of the withanolide class. Several studies over the past few years have looked into whether ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-stress, antioxidant, mind-boosting, immune-enhancing, and rejuvenating properties (see studies at bottom of page). Historically ashwagandha root has also been noted to have sex-enhancing properties.

Memory and Mood
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Antioxidant properties of ashwagandha root
Researchers from Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, India, have discovered that some of the chemicals within ashwagandha are powerful antioxidants. They tested these compounds for their effects on rat brain and found an increase in the levels of three natural antioxidants — superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. They say, "These findings are consistent with the therapeutic use of ashwagandha as an Ayurvedic rasayana (health promoter). The antioxidant effect of active principles of ashwagandha root may explain, at least in part, the reported anti-stress, cognition-facilitating, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects produced by them in experimental animals, and in clinical situations."

Ashwagandha: a mood enhancing and anti-anxiety herb
The roots of ashwagandha are used extensively in Ayurveda, the classical Indian system of medicine. In rodent studies ashwagandha has been shown to reduce anxiety and have a positive effect on mood.

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Ashwagandha and brain health
Ashwagandha is used in India to treat mental deficits in geriatric patients, including amnesia. Researchers from the University of Leipzig in Germany wanted to find out which neurotransmitters were influenced by ashwagandha herb. After injecting some of the chemicals in ashwagandha into rats, they later examined slices of their brain and found an increase in acetylcholine receptor activity. The researchers say, "The drug-induced increase in acetylcholine receptor capacity might partly explain the cognition-enhancing and memory-improving effects of extracts from ashwagandha observed in animals and humans."
   A study done in 1991 at the Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center indicated that extracts of ashwagandha had GABA-like activity. This may account for this herb’s anti-anxiety effects.
   A 2002 laboratory study indicates ashwagandha extract stimulates the growth of axons and dendrites. A 2001 study in rodents showed ashwagandha extract had memory boosting ability. A 2000 study with rodents showed ashwagandha extract to have anti-anxiety and anti-depression effects.

Ashwagandha side effects
Ashwagandha herb does not seem to have any significant side effects but long term studies are not yet available to determine ashwagandha side effects from chronic use. Nevertheless, it is best to take breaks from use. For instance, one can take a week off each month or take ashwagandha 3 or 4 times a week as opposed to daily. There is one case report from Holland of a person taking high doses of ashwagandha for prolonged periods who ended up with excessive thyroid hormone production.

Ashwagandha root research update
Antibacterial efficacy of Withania somnifera ( ashwagandha herb) an indigenous medicinal plant against experimental murine salmonellosis.
Phytomedicine. 2005 Mar;12(3):229-35.
We evaluated the antibacterial activity of ashwagandha [Withania somnifera L. Dunal (Solanaceae; root and leaves)], an Indian traditional medicinal plant against pathogenic bacteria. Both aqueous as well as alcoholic extracts of the ashwagandha plant (root as well as leaves) were found to possess strong antibacterial activity against a range of bacteria including Salmonella typhimurium. Moreover, in contrast to the synthetic antibiotic (viz. chloramphenicol), ashwagandha extracts did not induce lysis on incubation with human erythrocytes, advocating their safety to the living cells. Finally, the antibacterial efficacy of the ashwagandha extracts isolated from plant (both root and leaves) was determined against experimental salmonellosis in Balb/C mice. Oral administration of the aqueous extracts successfully obliterated salmonella infection as revealed by increased survival rate as well as less bacterial load in various vital organs of the treated animals.

Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) - monograph.
Altern Med Rev. 2004 Jun;9(2):211-214.
Withania somnifera, also known as ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, or winter cherry, has been an important herb in the Ayurvedic and indigenous medical systems for over 3000 years. Historically, the plant has been used as an aphrodisiac, liver tonic, anti-inflammatory agent,  and more recently to treat asthma, ulcers, insomnia, and senile dementia. Clinical trials and animal research support the use of ashwagandha root for anxiety, cognitive and neurological disorders, inflammation, and Parkinson's disease. Ashwaganda is also used therapeutically as an adaptogen for patients with nervous exhaustion, and debility due to stress, and as an immune stimulant in patients with low white blood cell counts.

Anticarcinogenic activity of Withania somnifera Dunal against Dalton's Ascitic Lymphoma.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Aug;93(2-3):359-61.
The effect of ethanolic extract of ashwagandha root against Dalton's Ascitic Lymphoma has been evaluated in Swiss albino mice. A significant increase in the life span and a decrease in the cancer cell number and tumour weight were noted in the tumour-induced mice after treatment with ashwagandha extract. These observations are suggestive of the protective effect of ashwagandha extract in Dalton's Ascitic Lymphoma.

The in vitro antibacterial / synergistic activities of ashwagandha extract.
Fitoterapia. 2004 Jun;75(3-4):385-8.
The methanol, hexane and diethyl ether extracts from both leaves and roots of  ashwagandha were evaluated against Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli. Different concentrations of Tibrim, a combination of rifampicin and isoniazid, were tested to find out the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), which came out to be 0.1 mg/ml for S. typhimurium and E. coli. From the six extracts tested, only ashwagandha methanol and hexane extracts of both leaves and roots were found to have potent antibacterial activity. A synergistic increase in the antibacterial effect of Tibrim was noticed when MIC of Tibrim was supplemented with these ashwagandha extracts.

Cardioprotection from ischemia and reperfusion injury by ashwagandha/
Mol Cell Biochem. 2004 May;260(1-2):39-47.
The efficacy of ashwagandha to limit myocardial injury after ischemia and reperfusion was explored and compared to that of Vitamin E, a reference standard known to reduce mortality and infarct size due to myocardial infarction. Wistar rats were divided into six groups and received orally saline (sham, control group), ashwagandha 50/kg (ashwagandha -control and treated group) and Vitamin E-100 mg/kg (Vit E control and treated group) respectively for 1 month. On the 31st day, rats of the control, Vit E and Ws treated groups were anesthetized and subjected to 45 min occlusion of the LAD coronary artery followed by 60 min reperfusion. Hemodynamic parameters: systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure (SAP, DAP, MAP), heart rate (HR), left ventricular end diastolic pressure were monitored. Hearts were removed and processed for histopathological and biochemical studies: Myocardial enzyme, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), and antioxidant parameters: malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) were estimated. Postischemic reperfusion produced significant cardiac necrosis, depression of left ventricular functions and a significant fall in GSH, SOD, CAT, LDH and CPK as well as an increase in MDA level in the control group rats as compared to sham group.  Ashwagandha and Vitamin E favorably modulated most of the hemodynamic, biochemical and histopathological parameters though no significant restoration in GSH, MAP (with Vit E) were observed. Ashwagandha on chronic administration markedly augmented antioxidants (GSH, GSHPx, SOD, CAT) while Vit E did not stimulate the synthesis of endogenous antioxidants compared to sham. Results indicate that ashwagandha significantly reduced myocardial injury and emphasize the beneficial action of ashwagandha as a cardioprotective agent.

Growth inhibition of human tumor cell lines by withanolides from ashwagandha leaves.
Life Sci. 2003 Nov 21;74(1):125-32.
Ayurvedic medicines prepared in India consist of ashwagandha roots as one of the main ingredients. Ashwagandha is consumed as a dietary supplement around the world. The leaves of ashwagandha are used in the treatment of tumors and inflammation in several Asian countries. We have isolated twelve withanolides from the leaves of this species. Compounds were tested for their anti-proliferative activity lung, colon, central nervous system and breast human tumor cell lines. Withaferin A and its derivatives exhibited inhibitory concentrations. Viscosalactone B showed the 50% inhibition. Therefore, incorporation of ashwagandha in the diet may prevent or decrease the growth of tumors in human.

Ashwagandha attenuates antioxidant defense in aged spinal cord and inhibits copper induced lipid peroxidation and protein oxidative modifications.
Drug Metabol Drug Interact. 2003;19(3):211-22.
We investigated the effects of Ashwagandha on copper-induced lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in aging spinal cord of Wistar rats. The activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) decreased significantly in the spinal cord from adult to aged mice. Treatment with ashwagandha successfully attenuated GPx activity and inhibited lipid peroxidation in a dose dependent manner. Ashwagandha inhibited both the lipid peroxidation and protein oxidative modification induced by copper. These effects were similar to those of superoxide dismutase and mannitol. The results indicate the therapeutic potential of ashwagandha in aging and copper-induced pathophysiological conditions.

Induction of nitric oxide synthase expression by ashwagandha in macrophages.
Iuvone T, Esposito G, Life Sci. 2003 Feb 21;72(14):1617-25.
Ashwagandha is an immunostimulant herbal medicine used to improve overall health and prevent diseases, particularly in the elderly. To elucidate the mechanism of ashwagandha, we investigated the effect of a methanolic extract from the root of Ashwagandha on nitric oxide (NO) production in J774 macrophages. We found that ashwagandha produced a significant and concentration-dependent increase in NO production. Moreover, western blot analysis showed that ashwagandha increased, in a concentration-dependent fashion, inducible NOS protein expression. These results demonstrate that ashwagandha may induce the synthesis of inducible NOS expression likely by acting at transcriptional level. The increased NO production by macrophages could account, at least in part, for the immunostimulant properties of ashwagandha.

Axon- or dendrite-predominant outgrowth induced by constituents from Ashwagandha.
Kuboyama T.. Neuroreport. 2002 Oct 7;13(14):1715-20.
We previously reported that the methanol extract of Ashwagandha (roots of Dunal) induced dendrite extension in a human neuroblastoma cell line. In this study, we found that six of the 18 compounds isolated from the methanol extract enhanced neurite outgrowth in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. In withanolide A-treated cells, the length of NF-H-positive processes was significantly increased compared with vehicle-treated cells, whereas, the length of MAP2-positive processes was increased by withanosides IV and VI. These results suggest that axons are predominantly extended by withanolide A, and dendrites by withanosides IV and VI.

Hypoglycemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic effect of winter cherry (Withania somnifera, Dunal) root.
Indian J Exp Biol. 2000 Jun;38(6):607-9.
Hypoglycemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic effects of roots of ashwagandha were assessed on human subjects. Six mild NIDDM subjects and six mild hypercholesterolemic subjects were treated with the powder of roots of ashwagandha for 30 days. Decrease in blood glucose was comparable to that of an oral hypoglycemic drug. Significant increase in urine sodium, urine volume, significant decrease in serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL (low density lipoproteins) and VLDL (very low density lipoproteins) cholesterol were observed indicating that root of ashwagandha is a potential source of hypoglycemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic agents. Clinical observations revealed no side effects.

Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): a review.
Altern Med Rev. 2000 Aug;5(4):334-46. Mishra LC, Singh BB, Dagenais S. Los Angeles College of Chiropractic Whittier, CA 
The objective of this paper is to review the literature regarding ashwagandha a commonly used herb in Ayurvedic medicine. This review is in a narrative format and consists of all publications relevant to ashwagandha that were identified by the authors through a systematic search of major computerized medical databases. Studies indicate ashwagandha possesses anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antistress, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, hemopoietic, and rejuvenating properties. The mechanisms of action for these properties are not fully understood. Toxicity studies reveal that ashwagandha appears to be a safe compound. Preliminary studies have found various constituents of ashwagandha exhibit a variety of therapeutic effects with little or no associated toxicity. Clinical trials using ashwagandha for a variety of conditions should also be conducted.

Withaferin A is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis.
Angiogenesis. 2004;7(2):115-22.
The medicinal plant ashwagandha is widely researched for its anti-inflammatory, cardioactive and central nervous system effects. In Ayurveda , the major Traditional Indian medicine system, extracts from ashwagandha are distinctively employed for the treatment of arthritis and menstrual disorders. Because these conditions involve angiogenic processes we hypothesized that ashwagandha extracts might contain angiogenesis inhibitors. We employed an endothelial cell-sprouting assay to monitor the purification of substances from ashwagandha root extracts and isolated as the active principle the previously known natural product withaferin A. In conclusion, our findings identify a novel mode of action of withaferin A, which highlights the potential use of this ashwagandha extract for cancer treatment or prevention.

Botany
Ashwagandha herb grows in India, Pakistan, India Sri Lanka and in parts of Africa. The erect branched shrub grows in dry soils and reaches up to five feet high. Ashwagandha has greenish or yellow flowers and red berry-like fruits and may belong to the tomato family. The name Ashwagandha is derived from Sanskrit words and means 'horse smell' due to the fact that the plant's root has the odor of a sweaty horse.

Ashwagandha supplement emails
Q. I have the following questions on the proper use of taking Ashwagangha supplements: As this is an Ayurvedic herb, are there any dietary restrictions when taking Ashwagandha root supplements? I am from India, and I remember that when ever we took Ayurvedic medications, certain foods were to be avoided. What is the best time to take an ashwagandha supplement, on empty stomach, or during and/or after meals. I also found, that ashwagandha makes you sort of sleepy during the day time.
   A. There are no dietary restrictions with ashwagandha herb. Most herbs are better absorbed on an empty stomach. In some people, certain preparations of ashwagandha can lead to sleepiness or a very relaxed feeling. For those who are tense and anxious, and hyper alert, ashwagandha can be taken during the day, for others, ashwagandha is best taken in the evening. We suggest you avoid a high dose of ashwagandha in the evening since sometimes it has a stimulatory effect before leading to sedation.

Q. My name is Rudger Hogeveen, from Netherlands. am a medical student in Holland. Recently I read an article in a Dutch medical journal which I receive as a medical student regarding ashwagandha and thyroid gland. In this journal was a case report about an patient who had thyrotoxicosis after chronic ashwagandha supplement use. Because the article is in Dutch, I've been searching on Pubmed and found the following:
Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2005 Nov 19;149(47): [ Thyrotoxicosis following the use of ashwagandha ] van der Hooft CS, Hoekstra A, Winter A, de Smet PA, Stricker BH. Inspectie voor de Gezondheidszorg, sectie Geneesmiddelenbewaking, Postbus 16.119, 2500 BC Den Haag.
A 32-year-old healthy woman developed thyrotoxicosis while taking capsules that contained ashwagandha herbal
extract for symptoms of chronic fatigue. She was not taking any other remedies or medications. During the first
few weeks, she took the capsules only occasionally without any symptoms, but after increasing the dose, she
experienced clinical symptoms indicative of thyrotoxicosis. This was confirmed by laboratory assessment. The symptoms resolved spontaneously after discontinuation of the ashwagandha capsules and laboratory values normalised. To our knowledge, this relationship has not been reported previously in humans. Data from animal
studies, however, have suggested that ashwagandha can increase serum concentrations of thyroid hormones. This
case study suggests that excess thyroid hormone effects is a potentially serious side effect of ashwagandha.
   Note, Rudger Hogeveen approved his name being mentioned.

Q. Dear Dr. Sahelian, in your discussion of ashwagandha supplements, you point to studies that indicate this herb may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression (Specifically: “In rodent studies ashwagandha has been shown to reduce anxiety and have positive effect on mood.” …and… “A 2000 study with rodents showed ashwagandha to have anti-anxiety and anti-depression effects.”). My question: Do you know whether ashwagandha can act as a stimulant (e.g., in the manner of some forms of ginseng)? I recently tried using ashwagandha to help treat my anxiety and depression, and found that my symptoms may have been exacerbated by its use. I experienced a “wired, edgy” feeling that intensified my feelings of anxiety and depression.
   A. This could be dose dependent. We have learned that high dosages of ashwagandha can cause a feeling of being restless, but you may try a third of a capsule and this way you may notice more the relaxing effect rather than the stimulation effect.

Q. I want to buy ashwagnadha but don't know which web site to buy this supplement. Have there been ashwagandha reviews to see which ashwagandha supplement is best?
   A. Not that we are aware of. Ashwagandha herb is not expensive and we suspect the vast majority of ashwagandha products on the market to be of good quality.

This ashwagandha page was last updated January 2008.